The First Step to Forever
For Maria, the path to homeownership seemed daunting, as she and her partner struggled to save enough money amidst rising expenses. They had tried to save before but found it difficult to maintain consistent progress.
“The dream has always been there,” Maria shared. “But with so many expenses, it was always something or another. We never really made a plan to buy one.”
Maria and her partner have a big growing family, and were looking for a place that would fit all the children and grandchildren in a safe neighborhood. It was through a friend’s recommendation that Maria first learned about Acts Housing. Initially hesitant, she explained, “I wasn’t too confident. I was just worried that it was a scam, that maybe people were out to steal our money. Because I thought who would want to help you without receiving anything in return? Very few people exist that do that.”
Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Financial Freedom
Then Maria met Shelby, Acts Homebuyer Coach. She explained that Shelby was so knowledgeable and inspired confidence. “She never talked down or made me feel bad about anything. She urged me to join the Power Pack program to learn more and speak with other people who are on my same journey.” Maria finally felt that buying a home was a possibility, so she joined the Acts Power Pack program and set her sights on homeownership.
One of the most valuable aspects of Maria’s experience was the financial education she received through Acts Housing’s Power Pack program. The program taught her essential skills like budgeting, saving, and improving her credit score. “My credit was really poor. I was at around 540. But I was motivated, so I began paying off debt that I had. Acts taught me how to check my credit, the best ways to make payments, how to communicate with debt collectors to work out payment plans, and to be persistent in making sure the debt got taken off accounts.” The Acts Power Pack program provides financial education sessions where Homebuyer coaches, bankers, lenders, and other Acts partners all come together to support attendees in their journey.
Maria began her journey in June of 2023, and in eight months was able to increase her credit score from 540 to the 700s! But she didn’t give up here, she kept working towards pre-approval and on February 9th, 2024 was pre-approved for a loan from US Bank. “When our lender called to tell us we were approved for a loan I didn’t believe it. I asked her, are you kidding? There was always this doubt that it wouldn’t work out. I kept asking, are you sure, are you sure?”
Building a Legacy: The Pride of Owning Your Own Home
Despite her doubts, Maria was pre-approved to purchase a home! The house Maria and her partner were initially interested in, which they found online, was off the market. So, they kept looking at other homes but always had that home in the back of their mind. Maria explained that one day she went online and saw that the house was back on the market. She called her realtor to set up a showing. When she walked in she knew it was the house for her and her family.
“When we went to go see it I was like this is my house, this is it. I could feel it. I could picture my life in this house, in the yard and everything.”
Maria opened her door to Acts Housing to take photos of her beautiful family and home. She explained the sense of pride she gained from accomplishing this goal was so satisfying because she never imagined she would be able to do this.
“With my own hard work, I made this happen. And even when I was met with roadblocks I kept going forward and didn’t give up. I can say this house is in my name. That feeling is indescribable.”
Maria’s story is a testament to the power of determination, financial education, and community support. With the guidance and resources provided by Acts Housing, Maria overcame significant obstacles and achieved her dream of homeownership. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. Maria shared the advice she would give someone considering working with Acts Housing.
“I tell everyone I know that they need to go through Acts. People that I know who are renting or who feel lost in the process I tell them go to Acts. They are always there to answer any questions, get rid of your doubts. They are always there to help and not for the benefit of themselves.”
